Snowwater

Snowwater Heli Skiing BC

Snowwater Heli Skiing provides superb ski and snowboard holidays for the discerning powder hound. Snowwater is a leader amongst the heliskiing Canada fraternity. Providing the ultimate in small group heli skiing, many of the other BC heli ski companies try to emulate the Snowwater experience.

From its location deep in the Selkirk Mountains of British Columbia, Snowwater provides an opportunity to revel amongst the legendary coldsmoke Kootenay powder. You’ll be able to devour the powder buffet on offer, and with an average annual snowfall of approximately 500 inches (12.7 metres), the powder’s highly likely to be deep as well as dry.

Unlimited Heli Skiing Packages

Snowwater serve up the all-inclusive unlimited heli skiing package. This package will leave you gagging for more on one hand, and begging for mercy on the other!

During peak season the packages are 3, 4, 5 or 7 days in duration, whilst during the shoulder season the trips are 3, 4 or 7 days.

The trips include double occupancy accommodation, all meals, a few alcoholic beverages with dinner, and the professionally guided unlimited vertical heli skiing. This is small group heli skiing with only 4 guests per guide.

When the weather prevents the bird from flying, Snowwater offers incredible snowcat skiing as a backup that incorporates some steep cheeky tree skiing and boarding.

The gear provided as part of the package includes powder skis and poles, an avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe, and ABS airbag backpack.

Snowwater Lodge

The Snowwater lodge is described as mountain chic and this sanctuary offers gorgeous views of the Valhalla Range. The exclusive mountain lodge is the perfect spot to relax in the evening and share the powder reverie with new found friends.

Two buildings house 12 guests in deluxe double occupancy suites with ensuite. The linen and down duvets are luxurious and all guests have a fluffy bathrobe and weather proof slippers. Other creature comforts include hair dryers and bath products.

A third building is for recreation and dining. If your muscles are spent from charging at the powder all day, there’s an outdoor hot tub as well as a professional massage service. Whilst it’s fantastic to get away from civilisation you don’t have to remain completely isolated. Other lodge facilities include complimentary wireless internet, Ipod docking stations, and satellite TV.

The high standard of the lodge doesn’t stop at the accommodation. Very high levels of service are provided and then there’s the Snowwater cuisine! The meals are definitely a very delicious departure from the ordinary, and the innovative cuisine never fails to impress even the most sophisticated palate. The selection of wines to complement the evening meal is also very impressive.

Where is the Snowwater Heli Ski Resort?

Snowwater Heli Skiing operates in three ranges within the Selkirk Mountains: the Bonnigtons; the Nelson Range; and the Valhallas. The Snowwater office is located in South Slocan which is a 20 minute drive from Nelson BC (not far from Whitewater Ski Resort) and 45 minutes from Rossland and Red Mountain. The transfer to the Snowwater Lodge is provided via snowcat.

The closest gateway airport is Castlegar (YGR), which is conveniently only 15 minutes from the office, but a bit of a gamble if the weather turns sour (it’s not called “Cancelgar airport” for nothing!). The more reliable option is to fly into Spokane in Washington, and it’s a 3 hour drive from there.

Snowwater Heli Ski Terrain

Snowwater Heli Skiing has over 150,000 acres (about 60,700 hectares) of breathtaking terrain. Whilst this is smaller than some other BC heli skiing companies, the terrain is still absolutely massive. It’s ten times the size of the average BC cat skiing terrain, so fresh tracks are definitely assured, and the terrain is blanketed in not just fresh snow, but deep Kootenay powder!

The Snow Water terrain is varied and includes alpine ridges, colossal bowls, chutes flanked by towering granite spires, pillow fields, powder meadows and the steep tree skiing that Snowwater is famous for. Many of the runs are long, and considering the unlimited vertical, you’ll definitely be well satiated for powder turns.

There are only four guests per group which improves safety considerations, but also enables guests to be appropriately grouped by ability and speed (guests need to be fit and at least an advanced rider). Snowwater can handpick lines that are best suited to the group’s abilities as well as desires.

More Reasons To Go Heli Skiing with Snowwater

Snowwater Heli Skiing provides the finest way to chase deep powder turns, although you won’t need to chase it. The powder is everywhere!

Snow Water has lots of strong points.

Snowwater Heli Skiing is a boutique operation with a maximum of 12 guests at a time, and a small guest to guide ratio, enabling an exclusive and personalised experience.

The snowcat back up ensures there is zero down time, so pow is guaranteed every day. The cat skiing isn’t just a secondary thought. Snowwater was a cat skiing operation before it went heli, so the snowcat roads and the terrain are second to none.

Snowwater puts a very strong emphasis on the safety aspects of the business and this is the number one priority. They have little extras such as the use of ABS airbag backpacks.

At Snowwater you definitely don’t have to rough it. There’s nothing “rustic” about this backcountry lodge. Rather it provides a very high standard of accommodation and the food is divine.

The staff provide great hospitality whilst retaining a very fun loving atmosphere.

Considering all of these factors, Snowwater provides fantastic value for money.